What is a Christmas Pantomime?

A Christmas pantomime (often shortened to panto) is a uniquely British theatre tradition enjoyed by families across the UK every festive season. Combining comedy, music, fairy-tale stories and audience participation, pantomimes are designed to entertain children and adults alike, making them one of the most popular Christmas outings in the country.


If you’ve never been to a pantomime before, or you’re visiting the UK during the festive period, this guide explains what panto is, where it came from, and why it remains such a much-loved Christmas tradition.

What is a Christmas Pantomime

A Brief History of Pantomime

Although pantomime feels unmistakably British today, its roots go back centuries. Early influences came from Italian commedia dell’arte, which introduced stock characters, exaggerated performances and physical comedy. Over time, these ideas were adapted by British theatre, eventually evolving into the family-friendly Christmas pantomimes we know today.

By the Victorian era, pantomime had become firmly associated with Christmas. Fairy tales were added, music became a central feature, and the emphasis shifted towards comedy, spectacle and audience involvement. Many of these traditions are still followed in modern pantos across the UK.

What Makes a Pantomime Different?

Pantomime is very different from a traditional play or musical. It follows its own set of conventions, many of which audiences actively expect and enjoy.

Audience Participation

  • The audience is encouraged to join in. Shouting warnings, cheering heroes and booing villains is all part of the experience. If someone cries “Oh no it isn’t!”, the correct response is, of course, “Oh yes it is!”

Comedy for All Ages

  • Pantos are written with multiple layers of humour. Children enjoy the slapstick, visual gags and silly jokes, while adults catch the wordplay, pop-culture references and cheeky one-liners that go straight over younger heads.

Music & Sing-Along

  • Most pantomimes include well-known songs, whether modern chart hits or classic tunes, and audiences are often encouraged to clap or sing along. Often turning into a competition between different sections of the theatre.

Traditional Panto Characters

While stories change, many pantomime characters remain the same from show to show:

  • The Dame – Traditionally played by a man in exaggerated costume, the Dame is loud, funny and often steals the show.
  • The Principal Boy – Usually played by a woman, this is the story’s hero, full of charm and bravery.
  • The Villain – The character everyone loves to boo, often hamming it up for maximum audience reaction.
  • The Comic Sidekick – Provides physical comedy, silly misunderstandings and lots of laughs.
  • The Fairy or Spirit – Helps guide the story and ensure good triumphs over evil.

Popular Pantomime Stories

Many pantomimes are based on classic fairy tales and folk stories that audiences instantly recognise. Some of the most popular include:

These stories are often adapted each year with new jokes, local references and modern twists, meaning even repeat visitors get a fresh experience.

  • Cinderella
  • Aladdin
  • Snow White
  • Jack & the Beanstalk
  • Dick Whittington

Is Pantomime Suitable for Young Children?

In most cases, yes. Pantos are designed with families in mind and are usually suitable for children aged three and above. That said, some productions may include loud noises, mild peril or moments designed to be “scary” in a playful way.

Many theatres now offer relaxed performances, daytime matinees and age guidance to help parents choose the right show for their family.

Why Is Panto So Popular at Christmas?

For many families, going to the pantomime is as much a Christmas tradition as decorating the tree or exchanging presents. It’s fun, inclusive, light-hearted and easy to enjoy, even if it’s your first theatre visit.

Panto also offers something increasingly rare: live entertainment that genuinely brings generations together, with grandparents, parents and children all laughing at the same show — just sometimes at different jokes.

Find a Christmas Pantomime Near You

Every year, theatres across the UK stage pantomimes throughout November, December and into January. From major city venues to local theatres, there’s a wide choice of shows to suit all ages and budgets.

Browse our listings to find pantomimes near you, compare venues, and book tickets for this year’s festive season.